A University of Wolverhampton member of staff has retired after more than 40 years of service for the institution.

Kevin Hogan presents Barbara Hodson with flowers on her retirement from the University.

Barbara Hodson started working for the organisation at the age of 16, firstly in Dudley and then in Wolverhampton at the then Polytechnic.

She started as a trainee technician and went on to fulfil a number of laboratory roles. For the last 10 years she has worked as the Senior Laboratory Technician with the University’s School of Applied Sciences.

Barbara (60) of Perton retired on Friday 19 July 2012 having clocked up an impressive 43 years of service.

She said: “I finished school at 16 and I wanted to be a dental hygienist but was a year too young to start the training. So I applied for a job as a trainee technician expecting just to fill the year but I’ve been here ever since.

“I’ve always had an interest in science and I’ve been able to move around a lot doing different roles while I’ve been here. These days it’s a lot more specialist and people want to focus on one area but I enjoyed working across lots of different science subjects.

“I was learning something new all the time which kept things fresh as I wasn’t doing the same job all the time.”

Barbara’s role involved her working closely with students and staff preparing practical experiments and equipment in science labs.

She said: “It’s been a pleasure working for the University. I will really miss the people. I have met some fabulous people along the way in all sorts of different roles. I wish them all well.

“Although I’m retiring I’ve got lots of jobs to do and intend to be very active. I’ve become involved with the University of the Third Age and am looking forward at trying my hand at new skills.”

Kevin Hogan, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: “I’d like to thank Barbara for her time and dedication.

“Many people who work behind the scenes can easily be taken for granted. Barbara touched the lives of many people over the years including students, researchers and other staff. She can hopefully now enjoy a very well earned retirement.”